One of the most sought after activities by tourists and locals alike when visiting Northern Luzon is to go on trekking its highest mountain – Mount Pulag.

Sunrise at Mt. Pulag

About Mount Pulag

Mount Pulag is listed as the third highest mountain in the Philippines with an elevation of 2,922 m above sea level. The prevailing climate within the mountain is rainy with the month of August as its wettest month. With its high elevation and richness in biodiversity, the mountain is a home to 528 plant species and the natural habitat of the Dwarf Bamboo and Benguet Pine. Together living with the plant species is the native wildlife that includes 33 species of birds, nearly extinct Cloud Rat species and many more.

There are four major trails up the peak, namely Ambangeg, Akiki, Tawangan trails from Benguet and Ambaguio trail from Nueva Vizcaya.

Me at Mt. Pulag

Travel Guide

Trekking on the mighty trails of Mt. Pulag will give you the experience of seeing the wonders of nature you’d rarely see such as the endemic species thriving within the mountain. The Ambangeg Trail, one of the four trails towards the summit, is the easiest track and is highly recommended especially if you are a beginner. After hurdling over the paths, you’ll see unfolding before your eyes the phenomenal sea of clouds – a picturesque scene Mount Pulag is widely known for.

Briefing at DENR Visitor’s Center

Book for a Trekking Activity

There are quite a number of groups that offer packages for Mount Pulag Trekking. A group that offers one of the cheapest packages is Pagna’t Saka. Included in the package they offer are: transportation from and to Baguio City, Registration Fees, Environmental Fees, Camp Fees, Environmental Preservation Fees, Food (Lunch for Day 1 and 2), Local Guides, Certified Team Leaders and Bonus Side Tours for two major tourist spots. All these inclusions are for a minimum fee of Php1,800/pax(Please contact them for updated price).

Along the Trail

Sample Itinerary

Day 1

5:00AM – Depart from Baguio City

10:00AM – Arrival at Visitor’s Center. Registration and Orientation

11:30AM – Departure from the Center bound for Ranger Station

12:30AM – Arrival and Lunch at Ranger

01:00 PM – Start Trek

02:30 PM – Arrival at Camp 1

04:00 PM – Arrival at Camp 2. Setting up of Camp; Summit Assault (Option)

06:00 PM – Dinner at Campsite’ Socials

Day 2

04:30AM – Start of Trekking to Summit for Sunrise

05:45AM – Arrival at the Summit, a perfect time for sunrise

07:00AM – Start descending from summit

08:00AM – Arrival at Camp 2 and Breakfast

09:00AM – Start descent back to Ranger Station

11:30AM – Arrival at Ranger, Pay for the Guide fees, trip back to Visitor’s Center

12:30NN – Arrival at Visitor’s Center; Log Out

02:00PM – Trip back to Baguio City

05:00PM – Arrival in Baguio City

Farm Along the Trail

What to Bring

• Be sure to wear at least three layers of clothes. The temperature there is very cold.
• Aside from the layers of clothes bring as well fleece jacket appropriate for temperatures 2-10 degrees Celsius.
• Since Mount Pulag has an unpredictable weather, protect yourself with raincoat.

Raining

• Wear a bottom that is waterproof if possible and good at maintaining a warm temperature.
• Tested trekking shoes, gloves and bonnet or head gear.
• Do bring as well a sleeping bag, a plastic bags, flashlight/headlamp.
• Personal meds, first aid kit, tissue paper, water bottles and camera.

Camp Site 2

Reminders and Tips

• It is imperative for climbers of Mt. Pulag to register and undergo briefing with DENR. Usually, the briefing will take around 15 minutes and will require you to pay Php 300.00 after the registration.
• The Mount Pulag National Park is the agency responsible in the trekking activity in the mountain. The agency only allows 150 people to reach the peak. If the number of people reaches its maximum, others are advised to wait for their turn or you may opt to go for other trails of Mount Pulag. For beginners, the easiest trail to walk towards the peak is the Amabangeg Trail.
• At the ranger station, there are porters waiting for you and your group there wherein you pay for Php250 per day or Php500 for two days.

Patiently Waiting for Sunrise at the Summit

Here’s an insider tips

• You should rent for a 4×4 jeep especially during unfavorable conditions.
• You can also ask for the locals to have them cook for your lunch so when you descend back, your food is ready to eat.

4×4 Jeep

Locals Playing Volleyball